The Continuum Concept is the idea that in order to achieve optimal physical, mental and emotional development, human beings — especially babies — require the kind of experience to which our species adapted during the long process of our evolution.

Experiences such as constant physical contact with a familiar caregiver, bed-sharing, breastfeeding on cue, being carried and allowed to observe, prompt non-judgemental responses to his signals (squirming, crying, etc), other’s expectations that he is a social creature with natural self-preservation instincts.

Jean Liedloff influenced many parents and indeed changed many people’s understanding of how to parent.